The Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws panel voted Friday to recommend South Carolina as the first state in the party's 2028 presidential nominating calendar. Under the proposed schedule, South Carolina would hold its primary on January 22, 2028, followed by early contests in Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia. The plan limits early voting to these six states before Super Tuesday on March 7.
Proponents of the calendar, including panel members and state party leaders, stated the order is designed to prioritize the participation of Black and Latino voters. South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain argued that the move demonstrates a commitment to Southern voters, noting that Black citizens represent approximately one-quarter of the state's registered voters. Other committee members, such as David McDonald, advocated for Nevada’s inclusion due to its demographic diversity, including significant Latino, Asian American, and Native American populations.
The recommendation follows a similar shift in 2024, when the DNC moved away from the traditional starting points of Iowa and New Hampshire. While Nevada and New Hampshire had also sought the top spot, some panel members expressed concerns regarding Nevada’s ability to process election results quickly. The full Democratic National Committee is scheduled to vote on the final approval of this calendar in August.